And Hull boss Steve Bruce has admitted defeat in the race for the full-back, telling Talksport: “I think there were about five or six clubs who would be interested in Carl Jenkinson. He’s a very, very good player.

“I think Sam Allardyce is in the box seat, because of being in London.

“It was someone who we showed an interest in. But when a really good young player comes out of Arsenal, or one of the big clubs, then a club like ours will always be looking at them.

“He’s got about five or six clubs to choose from but from what I understand he wants to stay in London.”

Goal understands Jenkinson still believes he has a future at the Emirates Stadium, despite the summer arrival of €10m France international Mathieu Debuchy from Newcastle United.

Meanwhile, 19-year-old defender Calum Chambers has also moved to north London from Southampton in a deal worth €20m.

West Ham boss Sam Allardyce is a big fan of Jenkinson and will be delighted to have beaten Steve Bruce to the full-back's signature.

Jenkinson, 22, left Charlton for Arsenal in 2011 as a teenager but has failed to hold down a regular first team place at the Emirates.